A patient presents with facial pain and a dry cough after a recent cold. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Prepare for the LEIK Family Nurse Practitioner Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The clinical presentation of facial pain alongside a dry cough, especially following a recent upper respiratory infection (URI), strongly suggests acute sinusitis. This condition often develops as a complication after a cold, particularly when there is inflammation and blockage of the sinus passages due to viral infection. The presence of facial pain indicates sinus involvement, as the sinuses are located near the face, and congestion can cause pressure and discomfort in these areas.

Additionally, while acute bronchitis can cause a cough and may follow an upper respiratory infection, it is typically characterized by more prominent cough symptoms and less facial pain. The dry cough noted in this scenario further aligns with the symptom profiles of sinusitis rather than bronchitis. Fever secondary to viral URI is also not primarily associated with localized facial pain. Munchausen's syndrome, which involves feigning or deliberately producing symptoms for attention, does not relate to the physical symptoms presented in this case.

Therefore, the most fitting diagnosis given the symptoms and their context is acute sinusitis.

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